

Writers Circle
Will Parker Anderson
A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 55min
Nathan Baugh: The 4 Tenets of Storytelling
Do you ever worry your stories aren’t landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It’s like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view. That’s why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds of stories and distilled what makes them unforgettable into 4 key tenets every writer can use. If you want to transform your storytelling, this episode will show you how. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 23, 2025 • 31min
Stephanie Duncan Smith: When efficiency eats creativity
AI is everywhere—and for writers, it’s confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it? In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What’s gained when AI speeds up the process? And what’s lost when we outsource creativity to machines? Stephanie shares why inefficiency is actually vital to the writing life and how protecting your creative core is more urgent than ever. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure about AI, this episode will help you think clearly. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Sign up for my workshop: https://writers-s-site-7336.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-how-to-write-stuff-people-actually-read Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 16, 2025 • 33min
Stephanie Duncan Smith: Why most memoirs fail
Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here’s the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don’t actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You’ll come away with practical insights on how to transform a personal narrative into a universal one that truly resonates. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 10, 2025 • 48min
Rachel Buller: The 4 C's of Communication
It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through the noise and reach more readers. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Doug Wekenman: Say It So They'll Remember It
In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, Doug Wekenman explains why it's worth taking the time to distill your ideas into their catchiest form, and how if you don't, your words will be forgotten. "Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing? Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson"

Aug 26, 2025 • 5min
How to write stuff people actually read
Feeling like your words go unheard? You’re not alone. That’s why I’m hosting a live workshop—*How to Write a Substack Post People Actually Read*—on Thursday, August 28, 5–6pm PT. You’ll learn a proven 5-part framework, see it in action, and get your questions answered. Access is just \$15/month as a Writers Circle member. Don’t miss out—tap the link in the show notes and join us! Subscribe to Writers Circle

Aug 6, 2025 • 7min
What's Your Unfair Advantage?

Jul 29, 2025 • 42min
Mike Salisbury: Writing Slow, The Joy of Obscurity, & Other Essentials
Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing? In Part 2 of my conversation with literary agent Mike Salisbury, we dig deeper into the emotional and practical realities of the writing life. Mike challenges our obsession with speed and reminds us that quality storytelling takes time. He talks about the beauty of being unknown, how to face book reviews, and why finishing your draft matters more than perfecting it. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the quiet, focused work it takes to write something worth reading. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

7 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 36min
Mike Salisbury: Why Storytelling Matters
Mike Salisbury, a literary agent with Yates and Yates, has an intriguing background from minor league mascot to guiding authors in Christian publishing. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction. Time management for writers can be a hurdle, but it's crucial to find joy in the writing process. Mike shares insights into the publishing world, stressing the value of revision and building a strong author platform. Ultimately, he inspires listeners to embrace the challenging yet rewarding journey of creativity.

Jul 15, 2025 • 37min
Vanessa Reyner: How To Land a Literary Agent
Start watching Will's proposal course here: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Want to publish your book but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Will Parker Anderson sits down with former coaching client Vanessa Reyner to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from self-publishing to landing a literary agent. Together, they unpack the process of building a compelling book proposal—one that clarified Vanessa’s concept and ultimately opened the door to traditional publishing. If you’ve got a message to share but feel lost on how to pitch it, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a glimpse into the Proposals Made Simple process that helped Vanessa take the next big step in her writing journey. Will's proposal course: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson